Won't start

Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
  • MEMBER
  • 2004 CHEVROLET SUBURBAN
Engine Performance problem V8 Four Wheel Drive Automatic 60000 miles

I changed the battery and now the truck will not start. It sounds like it starts firing and then just keeps turning over. I checked all of the fuses and when I turn the key on, I can hear the fuel pump running. Maybe the filter?
Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 5:26 PM

13 Replies

Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
  • MECHANIC
  • 4,749 POSTS
Turn key to crank then leave the key in run position and watch the theft light. Is it flashing? Get back to us
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Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 6:16 PM
Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
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  • 7 POSTS
I did the steps and no theft light came on. I even turned on the key for 5 min and turned it off for 5 min, tried to start it and it didn't do anything. It's almost like it wants to fire then it doesn't.
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Friday, February 29th, 2008 AT 8:52 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
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Sorry for the long response time. Ok that eliminates theft system. A tell tale for a weak fuel pump is when it cranks fast and wants to start but doesnt. Try spraying starter fluid into intake and see if truck runs. A lot of times with a weak fuel pump, if you spray starter fluid into engine it will start and continue to run because the starter fluid gave it the additional fuel that it needs to start. If it starts and runs then most likely cause is weak fuel pump.
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Saturday, March 1st, 2008 AT 12:19 PM
Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I will head to the auto parts store now to get a can of the starter fluid. Hopefully it's not the pump because if so, it's going to have to sit awhile till I can afford the $800.00 bill. I don't think I mentioned this before but I do run E85 and it has been really cold here in Illinois. Does that make a difference? I know my buddy told me the filter may have gotten water in it. Any suggestions? Thank you for all of your help.
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Saturday, March 1st, 2008 AT 1:31 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
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Its very possible. Id replace the filter first.
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Saturday, March 1st, 2008 AT 2:04 PM
Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Okay, I changed the fuel filter just a few min ago and it is still doing the same thing. Is there a way for me to reset the computer? I can still hear the fuel pump running just fine but no chance of starting. I looked through the fuse box and everything looks fine. Could it be one of the big grey fuses? I know chevy is crazy with the computer stuff, is there some trick I need to perform to reset everything? Please help.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2008 AT 1:33 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
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Will it run on starter fluid? Does it have spark?
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Saturday, March 8th, 2008 AT 1:46 PM
Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
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  • 7 POSTS
No. I forgot to try that.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2008 AT 1:59 PM
Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
Well, I tried the starter fluid and the truck cranked, ran rough for about 5 seconds and then died. I tried it again and it ran for about 3 seconds and died again. I would assume the fuel pump is shot. I wonder ho hard it is to change one?
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Saturday, March 8th, 2008 AT 2:37 PM
Tiny
MASTERTECHTIM
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These engines need a high volume of fuel to run. There still could be something else causing the no start, but its probably the fuel pump. You must remove the fuel tank to install new pump.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2008 AT 3:00 PM
Tiny
BRYANHOLLY
  • MEMBER
  • 7 POSTS
I am just going to buy a fuel pump and let someone with better car skills to do it for me. Luckily I can get the pump at cost so hopefully I can save a few $$. Thanks for all of your help.
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Saturday, March 8th, 2008 AT 9:33 PM
Tiny
KARLAROMERK
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
04 Chevy Tahoe brand new motor, harmonic balancer, plugs and wires went to crank it, or isn't getting fire help what should I do
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Thursday, October 5th, 2017 AT 5:56 AM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,513 POSTS
Does it have fuel pressure and spark? Here are two guides to help us get started.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

and

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-an-ignition-system

Please let us know what you find.

Cheers, Ken
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Friday, October 6th, 2017 AT 3:11 PM

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